BYU football: Running backs will need to step up without Williams
By Brady Parkin
BYU football is tasked with replacing its all-time leading rusher. That’s no easy task, so all hands will be on deck in Provo.
As Jamaal WIlliams took his talents from BYU football to Packer Nation, this year’s crop of running backs have some major shoes to fill. In Williams’ absence, BYU football will turn to junior Squally Canada and a young running back team to carry the load.
No Williams is concerning
Last season, Jamaal Williams averaged more than 130 yards per game. He totaled up 1,375 rushing yards placing him in the top 25 rushers in the NCAA. BYU football’s second leading rusher last season, QB Taysom Hill, is also no longer with the team.
Where with the rushing come from this season?
A couple seasons ago, Squally Canada transferred to BYU from Washington State and now he will likely assume a role as one of the team’s offensive leaders. Canada was third in rushing for the team last season.
BYU’s RB situation
BYU football lists eight running backs on this season’s roster. Of the eight, three were with the team last season. Canada, who started two games, returns along with KJ Hall and Trey Dye. Hall started one game while Dye played mainly with the special teams.
A notable freshman enters the mix in the form of 2013 Mr. Football (Utah) Ulu Tolutau. Though only a freshmen, Tolutau can boast that he was recruited by Wisconsin, a school known for producing a good running game.
In the end, the analysis is simple. Cougar running backs are young and collectively do not have a lot of experience.
The key to success
Inexperienced talent makes for nervous fans. Hopefully those nerves will not be present in the young running backs. Canada recognizes that confidence will be vitally important for success this year. After admitting a lack last season, Canada has been putting in effort on the field and in the film room to improve his mechanics and his mind.
If this confidence can spread from Canada to the other running backs, then this core of BYU football youngsters could really make a difference.